Sharply elevated and irregularly shaped, keloids are progressively enlarging scars caused by excessive collagen formation in the skin during connective tissue repair. They can occur after operations, burns, wounds, vaccinations, piercings or severe acne. Although keloids are usually harmless, they can be itchy and unsightly. While a number of practitioners of alternative medicine claim that tea tree oil can help treat keloids, the verdict is still out regarding its efficacy. As with all herbs, consult a medical professional trained in botanical remedies before using tea tree oil.
About Tea Tree Oil
Native to the swampy areas of Australia, the tea tree, otherwise known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is a small tree that grows to heights of 20 feet. It produces layers of paper-like bark, spikes of yellowish flowers and soft, pointed leaves that are the source of its medicinal value. The leaves contain a clear essential oil used in an array of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Herbalist View
Tea tree essential oil contains active ingredients known as terpenes. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, "Prescription for Herbal Healing," claims that while the oil does not affect the underlying causes of various skin conditions, it can help prevent burning and itching, two symptoms associated with keloids. Although tea tree oil can act as a remedy for a number of keloid-inducing conditions, such as cuts, wounds, burns and acne, few practitioners of herbal medicine claim that it can actually inhibit the growth of keloids. PubMed Health recommends reducing the size of large keloids by treatments such as corticosteroid injections, freezing, laser therapy, radiation or surgery.
Research
A study published in the 1992 issue of "The Australasian Journal of Dermatology" indicated that tea tree oil has a slight inhibiting effect on inflammation, itching and burning linked to athlete's foot, symptoms also associated with keloids. Additional research published in the January-February 2007 of "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology" found that tea tree oil effectively treats mild to moderate acne, one of the precipitating factors of keloids. While these studies suggest that tea tree oil could potentially have an effect on causes and symptoms related to the skin condition, as of 2011, no studies exist that specifically focus on tea tree oil's efficacy in treating keloids.
Side Effects
Tea tree oil shares a potential allergen, d-limonene, with celery and thyme. People with allergies to these plants should avoid tea tree oil. Do not use tea tree oil over large areas of broken skin, as topical use may produce allergic reactions including skin rash and itching. Do not use the oil near your mouth, nose or eyes, since it may cause burning. Refrain from using tea tree oil in your ears, as it may cause damage to your inner ear. Never take tea tree oil internally, as it may lead to nerve damage.
References
- PubMed Health: Keloids
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "The Australiasian Journal of Dermatology": Tea Tree Oil in the Treatment of Tinea Pedis; M. M. Tong, et al.; 1992
- "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology": The Efficacy of 5% Topical Tea Tree Oil Gel in Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris: a Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study; S. Enshaieh, et al.; January-February 2007
- University of Michigan Health System: Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Member Comments